Civility and compassion

In response to the July 13 letter about civil decency, we, who wear orange vests emblazoned with "Clinic Escort," want to explain why we come to the sidewalk at 2nd and Market streets five days a week. We come not to agitate, but to provide safe passage for women and their companions who are seeking reproductive health services. We come to create a space on the sidewalk that is not blocked by people or signs. We always ask permission to walk with the women and never assume that they want us or need us beside them.

Our goal is to de-escalate the atmosphere on the sidewalk. In that spirit, we prefer not to engage in conversation with the protesters. We try to ignore the comments and taunts that are leveled at the women, their companions and us. Our goal is to be a calm buffer when the protesters yell at the windows and doors of the clinic, wave pamphlets in the women's faces and broadcast their sermons on amplifiers.

We are not on the sidewalk to make a political statement. We are not there to engage in discussions of reproductive health issues. We are not there to change anyone's opinion. We are on the sidewalk to support the right of women to access safe and legal reproductive health services. Our goal is to do this with civility and compassion.

Our hope is that one day we will not be needed on the sidewalk at 2nd and Market streets. Until then, we will be there five days a week, 52 weeks a year for the women and their companions who come to the clinic.

MAGGIE STEPTOE

Louisville's Clinic Escorts

Louisville 40205

Thirteen other individuals signed this letter. - Editor

A thank you

To the guardian angels who saved our father's life on Westport Road and Hurstbourne Lane on July 16 who was driving distressed. Thank you for helping him when you saw him pull over and saved his life because he was having a heart attack. It was my understanding that the driver's niece was a nurse and assisted him until help came. If you hadn't stopped to help him we were told his heart would have stopped in 20 minutes. You are truly guardian angels and there are still good people in the world and thank you for driving his car to a safe place. We hope to meet you someday and thank you in person. God bless you.

DENISE CLARK

Louisville 40245

Bridge options

When both bridges are opened there will be as much, or more, through traffic downtown as that will be the most direct route for North/South traffic. The East End Bridge alone would do the trick; both will not.

FRED SILHANEK

Louisville 40207

Florida law

So, let me get this straight. Under Florida law it's perfectly legal for me to pursue an unarmed person, against the instructions of a police dispatcher, get into an altercation with that person, and if I become afraid during this confrontation I can shoot and kill the person whom I've followed? Apparently, at least six people do.

PHIL MARSHALL

Louisville 40217

The race card

Why did U.S. Attorney General Holder play the race card so quickly after the Zimmerman verdict?

DICK CESLER

Louisville 40299

Disappointment for visitors

My visiting grandson from North Carolina wanted to see the Yum! Center. After calling to get hours, we were told no one could get in to see the gym. How unfortunate for our city that we do not welcome visitors to see what is suppose to be a premier, downtown venue and why was an "observation" deck or point not included for such visitors to view the gym. Very disappointing.